Friday, October 31, 2014

This guest golf blog by Rachael Stockwell discusses how a golf course development is committed to finding a cure for breast cancer, not just during Breast Cancer Month but year-round!

By Rachael Stockwell: This weather this week has been beautiful here in South Carolina. I look
outside to see my two girls and their friends jumping on our trampoline. The
joyful screams surround the neighborhood and the sunlight is sparkling in their
shiny hair. A smile comes to my face to watch them, but then I get an uncertain
feeling in my stomach. Knowing one of them may develop breast cancer during
their lifetime causes this sensation.

The Susan G. Komen® Organization stated, “In 2014, an
estimated 232,030 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.
alone”.

All of us
either know a mother, sister, daughter and or friend who have this unstoppable
disease. I find myself touched by every story I read, mostly, I think, because
this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the statistics are highlighted in
everything I read. There are numerous organizations that focus on research to
find a cure. One place that stands out in my mind for cancer research is the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of
Utah.

The Huntsman Commitment

For the Huntsman family, philanthropy is as much a part of
life as is the business they have built over a span of four decades. Mr. Huntsman
is widely recognized as one of America’s foremost-concerned citizens and philanthropists. As a further
commitment to this, the family created a community that is developed around
nature and maintains the small town feel that everyone enjoys here.

Huntsman Springs is a community that is built around a
nature preserve with stunning views of the Grand Tetons and has
won the highest award in four categories of the prestigious 2014 International Property
Awards. Director of Sales for Huntsman Springs, Julie Bryan, accepted
top honors in the categories of Best Leisure Development and Best Golf
Development in the United States and in Idaho.

At
the heart of the community is a world-class golf course designed by the acclaimed
golf architect David McLay Kidd, winner of GOLF Magazine’s 2008 “Architect of
the Year.” The Teton Valley, Idaho, Huntsman Springs is a tranquil
place, full of hope and surrounded in beauty. Golfers are able to seek solitude
and have views of this beautiful space in every direction their swing takes
them.

What a gratifying experience it is to be able to help a cure for cancer by simply living in one of the most extraordinary places in America!

Playing
the golf course reflects an impeccable quality of design and construction with
fairways that average 80 yards wide, greens that average 10,000 sq. ft., 153
bunkers, and 450,000 cubic yards of sand to maintain contour and promote
drainage. Huntsman Springs provides championship conditions throughout the
season on eighty-four acres of Kentucky Bluegrass, sixty-four acres of Irish Red Tipped Fescue,
and forty-eight acres of mountain water running throughout the golf course.

Honestly, this might seem like any other luxury community; however, the best
part is what it stands for and how its residents help those in need of a cure
for cancer.

Leading the Way for Research

In 1995, Jon and Karen Huntsman
founded the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The Institute is now one of America’s major cancer centers dedicated to finding a cure.
They recently announced a $100 million expansion that
will double the laboratory space and create the Primary Children’s and Families’ Cancer Research
Center which will focus exclusively on inherited and childhood cancers. Profits
from Huntsman Springs Real Estate will be contributed to the Huntsman Cancer
Institute.

I truly hope that one day in my children’s lifetime
breast cancer can be a disease of the past, but I do know that a community such
as Huntsman Springs brings new meaning to cancer research. The next time you’re about to embark on your golf adventure make sure you wear pink for Breast Cancer, you never know when you
actually might be golfing for a cure.

Rachael Stockwell Bio: Rachael has ten years of experience in online marketing and focuses on PR development for the economic development, energy, luxury, and rental market sectors.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

If you have visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on previous golf vacations, chances are you have heard of, or played, one or more of the three Mystical Golf Courses within fifteen minutes of the Coast. With over one-hundred golf courses to choose from, here are a few reasons why the Witch, Wizard and Man O'War are definitely worth a trip to the Beach!

Survival is the name of the game on the three Mystical Golf Courses:

The Season of The Witch

Although the trifecta of Witch, Wizard and Man O'War are mystical, there is an eerie ambiance as you drive your golf cart along the creaky wooden plank paths on this eighteen hole maze through the natural beauty of marsh and forestry compelling you to move strategically onward.

Although The Witch website states, "There's nothing scary about The Witch", golf blogger Andy Reistetter thinks otherwise, "witnessing the wildlife and scenic insights into the surrounding marshes will definitely cast a spell over you."

Challenging doglegs and safe landings are the name of the game at The Witch and placement should be safe or your golf ball may be engulfed by water (or maybe by an alligator...).

I plan to play a round of golf on The Witch this Halloween, enough said.

Off to See The Wizard

In a previous golf blog about Mystical Golf, I mentioned that the Wizard requires, "thought in ball placement as the second cut of rough was deep."

Yes, this is a links course but there are elevation changes as well. According to MyrtleBeachGolf.com, "More than 1 million cubic yards of dirt were moved to form this layout of gently rolling hills and berms." The Wizard is in amazing shape, the greens roll fast and the course is basically humbling due to the wind and the elements.

If you think this is an easy course because of online reviews you might have read, think again. The Wizard will conjure its spell upon you.

Man O'War - Ready for Battle

Man O' War is designed for the golfer who thinks about the shot before stepping up to the ball. A Golf Digest 4-Star course with beautiful atmosphere with challenging wind and water captures your ball on the ninth hole island green and throughout the round. If you like a course with personality, stunning views, immaculate fairways and greens... which bites back, this is a must-play during your stay.

All three Dan Maples golf courses are in prime condition, the wind and pin placement should be considered and the greens are fast and require that you roll more than just a few on the practice putting green to get your speed and line.

Myrtle Beach Revelry

Since we attend this golf writers tournament in Myrtle Beach every year, there is also a bit of revelry in addition to playing golf on these three amazing courses. We were last off the tee on day one of The Witch, so we didn't make the yearly excursion to the fabulous Alabama Theater to see the production of "One" a family-themed show which was top-notch, fun and patriotic.

We did have dinner at the River City Cafe, eating up delicious burgers at their Surfside Beach location along with a beautiful view. The wonderful buffet spreads by Sea Mist Resort were delectable, from the salmon on toast points to the most delicious roast beef I had eaten in years.

Thank you once again for your hospitality Claude Pardue and Mystical Golf, Sea Mist Resort and to all the folks in Myrtle Beach who always say, "Welcome to the Beach" and mean it!

Stacy Captures the Flag at Man O War Golf Course!

And, to the three golf courses which put my team in the middle of the pack, as MacArthur stated, "I came through and I Shall Return". I will be better prepared and ready for battle next year.

Have you played golf at The Witch, Wizard or Man O'War? Share your thoughts on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and at the bottom of this golf blog!

Friday, October 17, 2014

The Navy SEAL Museum, which honors SEALs and their predecessors for their contributions to our national security, has more support coming its way.The 24th Annual Legends Invitational, a golf event which takes place from November 14-17, 2014 at three of the most beautiful golf courses on the Monterey coastline, Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay, will be assisting the efforts of the Museum.

Teams of Navy SEALs, in conjunction with Legends Invitational and the Museum, will kick-off the tournament with tactical demonstrations, from parachuting maneuvers to rappelling with canines out of a helicopter onto Spanish Bay golf course. SEALs will also be "up-close-and-personal" for the duration of this one-of-a-kind golf event.

John Lee, owner of the Legends Invitational and member of the Navy SEAL Museum Board stated, “I am proud to serve on the Navy SEAL Museum and also have the 24th Legends Invitational raise funds to support SEAL families in times of distress, provide scholarships and answer the significant needs of the Museum.”The Navy SEAL Museum currently receives no federal funding and relies on contributions from patriotic and grateful supporters to continue to preserve Naval Special Warfare history, honor fallen heroes at the SEAL Memorial and care for warriors and families through the Trident House.

“The National Navy SEAL Museum is delighted to be the beneficiary of the 24th Legends Invitational,” said Rick Kaiser, Executive Director of the Navy SEAL Museum. “We will be invading Spanish Bay via parachute and helicopter with help from our Military Working Dog Miko. Should be fun for all!”

In addition to the excitement and fanfare surrounding the Navy SEAL's, Celebrity Sports Legends including several of Football's Greatest will be playing in the event alongside of corporate executives and business professionals helping to secure needed funding for the SEAL's and their families.
IYou can also help the families of fallen SEAL's! Click on the links below to find out more:Support The National Navy SEAL MuseumPlay in this once-in-a-lifetime golf event

Friday, October 10, 2014

Ever think to yourself after a fun-filled day of golf, "I wish I would have started learning when I was a kid!"

Fresh air and sunshine, a walk in the park and a healthy dose of exercise are all great reasons for kids to start along the path of golf at an early age and the long term effects go far beyond the physical aspects.

Many sports teach kids to be competitive, to work together as a team and to succeed under pressure which all translate well into the daily routine, into their school life and in their relations with other children.Youth golf also has its advantages.Golf has many more benefits than the above standards, as taught by groups such as the First Tee program. The sport that can last a lifetime instructs kids on the core values of honesty, courtesy towards others, on strategy and smart decisions both on and off the golf course - all positive attributes that will help in leadership roles and throughout their careers.On a more educational level, as mentioned by a local Houston-based developer, "Golf is math, golf is English. You must calculate the break of the ball in degrees. It's just another avenue of learning."
Sounds like former NASA Physicist and short game instructor Dave Pelz who also believes that, if we can learn more about the scientific aspects of golf, we will perform better on the putting green and on the course.

Pelz also mentioned that, where adults in his class have to unlearn something before they can grasp a concept, "kids are the most voracious learners in the game. You tell them something they say, 'Oh, okay' and they start doing it that way."Adults make the learning process more complicated and confusing but kids tend to look at golf in a more simplistic fashion - they can break the sport down and learn to shrug off the disappointments at an early stage.

Once kids have something interesting that they have learned, they want to practice, even show-off a bit of their new found knowledge! Encourage family activities both on and off the golf course.
Sponsors of The First Tee such as SYNLawn, fully endorse the concept of starting golf young by offering means to practice daily at home while making the sport enjoyable and accessible.

Elements of practice can be made into golf games for the whole family, and some activities such as distance control and putting can be as simple as backyard practice, on practice mats or on DIY greens right in your own home.Although many players cite that golf is mainly a mental game and is played between your ears, let's not forget the physical benefits of the sport - that's right, golf remains a sport and will soon be a part of the Olympics!Swinging a golf club, walking the course, proper bending and stretching before and after the round all translate into great health benefits without hurting kids physically as may be the case with other sports.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Getting started as a new golfer, whether it is for you or for the kids, can be costly and distracting! Not only do you need a set of golf clubs (remember, only fourteen allowed in your bag) but also accessories, clothing...and let's not forget a qualified instructor! Today, let's focus on golf club choices.

This guest post was written by Dan Winger (see below for bio) and edited by Golf for Beginners. Enjoy.

Name
brand golf clubs can cost a lot of money, dollars that could be spent on green
fees for actual playing enjoyment...however, there is no substituting the quality of a name brand...or is there?

That’s an average total of $1810, a stout sum for the average guy or gal. Golf for Beginners suggests attending demo days at the very least, if that is the route you choose.

If money is no object, go for it, but there are other options. As
most beginners have no idea if they’ll like the sport and stay with it, it
seems more prudent to start out with a lower cost option.

Lower Cost Options

Low Cost/Used Outlets:
There are several online sources of low cost and used golf equipment:

·GlobalGolf.com (used-new)

·GolfGalaxy Stores (used-new)

·Ebay.com (used-new)

·Amazon.com (used-new)

·Overstock.com (new)

·Costco.com (new)

·2ndswing.com (used-new)

·3balls.com (used-new)

Often, you can find some excellent golf clubs from these sources.
Just be sure that you are buying clubs that fit you. Ask the sales person to
check the shaft flex to be sure that it’s right for you.

Garage Sales: I
have several golf buddies who regularly play clubs that they bought at garage
sales. If you know your swing, you’ll know if a used club will be a good fit
for you. Normally this the lowest cost method to buy clubs.

Clone Golf Clubs:
Whatever you want to call them, knock-off golf clubs, discount golf clubs, clone golf clubs - they’ll save you money and should provide just as much playability as the name brands.

A set of new clone golf clubs (a set as described above) will cost an average
of $600, one third of the price of the name brand clubs.

The Acer XDS React Titanium Driver by Hireko, for example, is similar to Cobra and tests rate it 97/100. At $69.95, this club is worth a swing...editor's note.

Good club hunting - there many opportunities to save some
cash.

Author Bio: Dan Winger is owner/writer of 2 clone golf club review websites, DW Golf and Golf Shop Bolton.He worked most of his professional career as a mechanical engineer/designer. Dan has been testing clone golf clubs and writing reviews since 2004. He resides in St. Joseph, Michigan, and can be reached at dwinger[at]rocketmail.com

Have you just purchased your first set of golf clubs? Which did you choose? Tell us in our comments section and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Golf Links

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